I went to Pennington this morning and came in from the western end, off Slag Lane, where there would be no problems anyway (not so many trees!). I didn't bother going around the reserve part (hides etc), the car park appeared shut anyway (?).
Re Pennington, I`ve been informed today ( Fri. ), though not from an `official` source, that it is possible to walk round the paths and tracks, but access to the hides is not permitted : the whole roof of Horrocks Hide being completely ripped off ! - luckily nobody was inside or near at the time. Nevertheless if you are planning a visit I would `phone first to make sure.
It should be safe to view Pennington Flash from the south side (Green Lane, the route to the yacht club) - the council does not own this area of the lake, and as long as people keep away from Sorrowcow Farm, I can't think there are any big trees - assuming the yacht club is still standing of course!
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Judith Smith
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Lightshaw hall Flash is sacrosanct - NO paths please!
In the interests of public safety Chorlton Water Park was closed to the public later this afternoon.
Well sort of as we can't prevent the public from coming in, only advise them through signage and taping off access points though many people don't take any notice so it's at your own risk.
I've got my work cut-out tomorrow, getting that chain-saw sharpened and make the access safe for you Scaup watchers.
I'm informed by management that normal services will be resumed tomorrow, though I reckon that will depend on the winds as it will be too dangerous to fell hung-up trees in those conditions and so would be likely to remain closed (advised not to enter) and with no staff present at the weekend to undertake such duties, who knows.
Please contact Chorlton Water Park on 0161 881 5639 before making a visit. I understand that Manchester Leisure have closed all their parks today.
-- Edited by Pete Hines at 20:23, 2007-01-18
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Thanks for that, I'll put a similar post on the sightings page for those who might not bother/have the time/be interested/remember to look in this general birding discussion and therefore miss it and have a wasted journey!
Hi Everyone, Just received this e-mail from David Shallcross (LOS) Cheers Kane
Hi everyone I received a notice from Pennington Rangers today informing us that until further notice the Park will be closed due to unsafe structures and trees. so check before you go.
After a conversation with Pete Berry (who can't currently get home due to the traffic!) afew minutes ago, it appears that near enough all roads are blocked
The Barton Swing bridge is appearently the only open bridge over the ship canal at the moment (although the winds have subsided slightly, so the high level bridges may open soon ) and the Manchester City Centre area is a no go!
I was informed earlier that the roof of Horrock's hide at Pennington blew off today, fortunately there was nobody in at the time.
Of course, the winds may yet prove good for something and we might expect something decent to turn up tomorrow atleast. A nice auk perhaps? A diver (not flippin' Great Northern though )? A storm blown Knot or two? How about atleast a Kittiwake or Little Gull? Only time and some hard searching will tell
For anyone reading this before leaving work/home, the M60 was closed between junctions 10 & 11 over the ship canal at 3pm. I saw a toppled lorry and the tailbacks were horrific in both directions. Also a fallen tree in Northenden had totally blocked Palatine Road.
) and the Manchester City Centre area is a no go!
)? A storm blown Knot or two? How about atleast a Kittiwake or Little Gull? Only time and some hard searching will tell 